CHRISTMAS WEEK
Several days before Christmas, the whole farmhouse was scrubbed and cleaned, while bread was baked and ale brewed.
"SHE CARRIED OUT A BASKET FILLED WITH CRUMBS AND GRAIN"
On Christmas Eve little Maja scattered clean straw on all the floors.
"Don't forget the birds," her older sister cautioned her.
"As if I would!" responded Maja. Nodding to Juhani, who stood by the door, she carried out a basket filled with crumbs and grain for the wild birds and animals. Juhani soon followed her with a sheaf of corn, which he placed where it would be sure to attract.
"You haven't forgotten, have you, Juhani," said Maja somewhat breathlessly as they stood together, "that they all can speak to-night?"
Juhani nodded and was silent for a moment. It always took him some time to get stirred up enough to talk. Then he said slowly, "I've put some of the food near the door, for 'tis said that if you listen behind it at night you'll be able to understand what they say. Don't tell, but I'm going to listen. Wouldn't it be hunky if I found out some secret?"
"Oh, then I must listen, too!" exclaimed Maja. But her brother did not like the idea.